Hi Jerry. With your original post I thought all the question marks referred to 278’s condition in Montrose, but I see now it’s just the year you were questioning. Interesting to hear that there was anything left to steal after more than a decade on display there. It’s always looked great the four or five times I’ve seen it on the bridge, no graffiti unless the park staff keep on top of it. Disappointing to hear about the thefts, but I guess some folks will go to any lengths. Many locos I’ve seen in town parks are little more than hulks, a jungle gym for kids, and a blank canvas for graffiti artists.
And that engine house idea sounds intriguing, I wasn’t aware that was a consideration. Its cost would have been more than made up over the long term, by not having the ongoing expense of a deteriorating outdoor exhibit. With a winch and block & tackle 278 could have been hauled in and out each day for display in good weather, and have an indoor space for ongoing maintenance year round. I’m sure there must have been good reasons however, but a moot point at least for this go round. As Jeff said, maybe Jerry will have more details, if they aren’t somewhere here on the Forum already.
Cheers all,
Ralph